The demons, however, just like the demon we read about a couple of weeks ago in Mark 1, instantly recognize Jesus as the Son of God and ask him exactly the same question: “what have we got to do with each other?” But these demons are a little more on the ball than the first demon – maybe word has gotten around in the demon community. They negotiate with Jesus and succeed in getting him to send them into a herd of pigs. Now, as mostly Christian capitalists, we might have some sympathy for the swineherd. The Jews who heard this story, however, would probably consider this to be a side-splitting comeuppance for the Gentile owners of the unclean pigs. Demons, pigs; pigs, demons. Not much to choose between, there.

The entire community comes out to see what’s going on, and when they see the man clothed and in his right mind, they are frightened. They ask Jesus to please leave. That has always struck me as hilariously misguided. Here’s the man who was chained, naked, and a danger to the community: free at last, dressed, and calm. Here’s Jesus the miracle-worker, come to pay a visit. He is recognized and obeyed by demons. Everywhere else, Jesus is recognized and mobbed by the families of the sick and demon-possessed. Here, they can’t wait for him to leave.

The man, naturally enough, wants to go along. But Jesus says to him, "Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how eleeo merciful he has been to you." Here we see an association between God’s power and authority and God’s mercy.

(English Standard Version, Copyright 2001 by Crossway)
18-19 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed kept begging him to let him go with him. But Jesus wouldn't let him. Instead, he told him, "Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how eleeo merciful he has been to you."

St. John’s United Methodist Church,
“Transforming Lives
Through Christ.”
2626 Arizona NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Traditional worship services are held Sundays at 8:15 and
11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Casual worship services are held Sundays at
9:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center.
Jazz Vespers are held monthly on the second Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. St. John’s feels especially called to the worship of God and to the service of our neighbors through our music program.